Heysham pupils embrace the magic of music in first annual concert appearance
Bay Leadership Academy’s first year as part of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Programme – in partnership with the Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST) – came to a rousing crescendo as eight virtuoso pupils joined more than 250 of their fellow young musicians at the 13th MiSST Annual Concert.
Held at Central Hall Westminster in London, the MiSST Annual Concert brought together the 37 schools that partner with the Music in Secondary Schools Trust, affording pupils from all over the country the chance to perform alongside one another.
During the sellout event, pupils heard from Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber – the creator of hit musicals including Cats and Jesus Christ Superstar and after whom MiSST’s music tuition programme is named – who delivered an inspirational speech, reminding the assembled guests of the power of music and collaboration.
For the special celebration, musicians were grouped into several different orchestras and concert bands for a stirring plethora of performances.
The programme included Pete Letanka’s Return to History, Herbie Hancock’s Watermelon Man, and Carnival Waltz - an original composition by a MiSST student - with proceedings rounded off by an awe-inspiring rendition of You Will Be Found from the hit Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hansen.
To prepare for the event, Bay’s pupils took part in regular music lessons at school as well as several ‘Play Together’ sessions, allowing the young musicians to perform as part of a larger group alongside fellow pupils from other MiSST schools in nearby Cumbria.
Of the eight Year 7 Bay pupils who participated in the concert, seven had never played an instrument prior to the school’s partnership with MiSST, which began in September 2025.
As part of the programme, every pupil starting at Bay Leadership Academy will receive a classical musical instrument on loan and music tuition for the duration of their time in key stage 3 (Years 7-9).
Reflecting on the school’s participation in the MiSST Annual Concert, principal Lee Waring said: “At Bay Leadership Academy, we are determined to rewrite the narrative for the community we serve. Opportunities like this, and many others our pupils experience, are part of what is making Bay such a special place to learn and grow.
“These experiences also reinforce the power of creativity in the curriculum, with music having the ability to inspire, motivate and challenge young people in ways that few subjects can.
“Through learning an instrument, performing and collaborating, our pupils are developing discipline, confidence and new skills; but perhaps most importantly, they are discovering that their horizons are wider than they may have imagined.”
Following a recent visit to Bay Leadership Academy, Rachel Landon, CEO of MiSST, added: “The MiSST Annual Concert was a spectacular showcase of the creativity and musical talent nurtured within our partner schools.
“I have been fortunate enough to visit Bay Leadership Academy in Morecambe, where I was truly impressed by the pupils’ politeness and strong work ethic. The importance placed on the creative arts is clearly evident throughout the school and plays a vital role in its culture.
“The MiSST programme continues to go from strength to strength here, and I look forward to seeing its continued growth at Bay Leadership Academy. We are incredibly proud to have them as a partner school and to share their vision for an inclusive, creative, and impactful curriculum.”